December 11, 2025

Manila, Philippines — Water is a limited resource, and many Philippine cities face pressure on their supply due to rapid urbanization and climate change. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, prioritizes water efficiency as a core operational strategy to pave the way for a water-resilient future.  

This efficiency means that for every square meter of mall space, SM Supermalls' water use translates into millions of liters saved annually.

Beyond equipment and systems upgrades, culturally integrating sustainability values is part of the solution. Water education campaigns for tenant-partners, employees, and mallgoers promote the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement.

“Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

“Our work in the malls is to make sure that we give you the best experience without compromising the needs of tomorrow, but of course, we cannot do it alone. When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small these are, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future,” said Tan.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

December 11, 2025

Tuguegarao City, Philippines — December 10, 2025. SM Supermalls, in strong partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), commemorates the agency’s 92nd Founding Anniversary with a landmark achievement: celebrating the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) during a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao.

SM Supermalls and DOLE marked a major milestone as the SM–DOLE Job Fair program celebrated its 30,000th hired-on-the-spot at SM City Tuguegarao, symbolizing thousands of lives changed through accessible employment opportunities and meaningful partnerships with industry employers.

The 30,000th HOTS, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, was hired on the spot as a Service Crew member at McDonald’s during the anniversary job fair. Overwhelmed by the news, she shared: “Hindi po ako makapaniwala… nag-try lang po akong mag-apply dito sa job fair dito sa SM. Hindi ko po akalain na hired on the spot ako.” She also encouraged other job seekers: “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her story embodies the heart of the SM–DOLE partnership: turning a simple decision to show up into opportunities that change lives.

The milestone highlights the continued success of the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program, which has mounted over 370 job fairs nationwide since November 2023, supporting more than 220,000 job seekers and resulting in over 30,000 HOTS to date. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of SM Supermalls and DOLE to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift Filipino communities.

December 6, 2025

Korean beauty or K-beauty... means "glass skin" appearance, which had gained popularity globally, that most women wanted to attain or obtain this amazing skin appearance and condition. Oh well, since The Barum is now officially here in the Philippines, it is now made very accessible to us, my fellow Filipinas! 

The official launch of The Barum Philippines represents a pivotal moment in the

local aesthetic industry, introducing a clinically integrated approach to skin

renewal founded on the principle of Proactive Skin Care."

The Barum is a globally recognized leader in professional Korean aesthetic systems, formally announces its official entry into the Philippine market. The brand will be exclusively distributed by The Glow Atelier, and you can locate them at 2nd floor, Petron Square La Vista 365 Katipunan A Pres C.P. Garcia Ave., Quezon City. 

The grand launch, took place at the BGC Hyatt, and marked a significant milestone in local aesthetics, introducing the philosophy of "Proactive Skin Care" - a rigorous, science-backed approach centered on building skin resilience rather than merely reacting to existing problems. The Barum's product lines, centered on the revolutionary RADIANCE RENEWING systems, promise unparalleled results in rejuvenation and skin longevity, underpinned by the brand's unwavering commitment to three fundamental pillars: Effective Ingredients, Safe Formula, and Customer Satisfaction.

The professional aesthetic landscape in the Philippines is poised for evolution with the arrival of The Barum's integrated ecosystem of clinical solutions. This system addresses the growing consumer demand for high-efficacy treatments that minimize downtime and maximize visible radiance. The core of this system is the specialized combination of targeted clinical peels and advanced regenerative components, specifically tailored to ensure optimal outcomes while prioritizing skin barrier health. 

The event features a high-profile live demonstration and is hosted by respected DZMM Teleradyo newscaster, Rica Lazo, providing an authoritative seal of trust and scientific integrity to the proceedings.

The brand's strategic design, particularly the pairing of the high-efficacy R2 Spicule System with the restorative power of the PDRN 10,000 ppm PR Ampoule provides a significant market advantage: predictable, potent results combined

with minimized downtime and iritation. This mechanism effectively addresses the

professional concern regarding rapid, safe post-procedure recovery.

Furthermore, the explicit inclusion of tropical- optimized solutions, such as the OCP

solutions for oil control and the Guaiazulene-rich BLUE JEWEL AZULENE ine for heat

and redness reduction, strategically positions The Barum as a system uniquely

perfected for the Philippine climate.

The leveraging of high-credibility figures, such as DZMM Teleradyo newscaster

Rica Lazo, reinforces the message of scientific integrity and assures both media

and professional partners that the brand delivers verified, measurable outcomes,.

The Barum system offers a comprehensive, closed-loop protocol from renewal to

barrier repair, guaranteeing predictable clinical success and sustained radiance

for the client.

December 3, 2025

The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines officially opened today at Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City, marking the first of four launches of the 2025 Giving Machine season in the Philippines.

Located in the mall’s fifth-floor cinema area, the program to launch the Giving Machines was hosted by actor and host Eric “Eruption” Tai and teen actress Xia Vigor. Elder Chi Hong Sam Wong, First Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided over the program.

“Through the Giving Machines, we follow the example of Jesus Christ by reaching out to those in need,” Elder Wong said. “Every donated item represents an opportunity to bring hope, comfort, and relief to someone who needs it most.”

The Giving Machines at Market Market support three charitable organizations: Caritas Kalookan Kaagapay, HERO Foundation, and NORFIL Foundation.

The charity partners at the launch were represented by Fr. Arvin de Jesus, former Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, and former MGen. Victor Bayani and Ms. Teresa Nuqui. Each expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the initiative. They expressed that the items available from the machines directly support their programs that assist children, families, and vulnerable individuals in various communities.

Special Guests and Media Participation

Taguig City Councilor Commissioner Raul Aquino also attended the launch on behalf of Mayor Lani Cayetano and conveyed the city’s support for efforts that bring people together in service, especially during the Christmas season.

The event also welcomed Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha and actor Jairus Aquino, who joined distinguished guests and partner representatives to test the machine’s new features and be among the first to donate.

Around 30 media members attended the program and participated in a press meet that followed. Media guests were given an overview of how the Giving Machines operate, how charity partners are selected, and how locations are chosen to host Giving Machines.

Their questions were answered by a panel composed of key representatives from the Manila charity partners, the celebrity hosts, and Ruth Del Mundo, Director for Temporal Affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines.

How the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines Work

The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines allow visitors to purchase items such as food packs, hygiene supplies, educational materials, therapy support, and other essential needs, which will be distributed directly to beneficiaries.

100% of every donation supports the selected item or a comparable need identified by the participating charity. Funds for operating the machines, marketing, and related expenses are provided separately by the Church.

Manila is the first of four Philippine locations to open its Giving Machines this year. Cebu will launch on November 28, 2025, at The Mall NUSTAR on Kawit Island and will support Parents Reach Foundation, Kythe Foundation, and Cebu Caritas.

Davao City will launch its Giving Machines on December 1, 2025, at Ayala Malls Abreeza and will work with the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center, House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, and SOS Children’s Village.

The Giving Machines will be introduced in Bacolod City for the first time on December 4, 2025, and will gather donations for the USLS Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, and the Kalipay Negrense Foundation.

The Light the World initiative is an annual Christmas invitation from the Church that encourages individuals and families to share the light of Jesus Christ through simple, meaningful acts of kindness and service.

Visitors are invited to learn more about the Light the World initiative and the Giving Machines by visiting LightTheWorld.org and other official Church pages. For updates on the campaign across the Philippines, including upcoming launches in Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod, follow The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Philippines on Facebook. 

December 5, 2025

2. Park money for “future you”

Here’s where most people slip: everything goes into one account and poof, the bonus magically disappears. If you want yours to actually work for you, start by giving it a real home.

Begin with Maya Savings, where your money grows with up to 15% p.a. interest, credited daily so you literally watch your balance climb. Even moving just a portion of your bonus here helps you hit the ground running for 2026.

Then build structure with Maya Personal Goals, your best friend for financial boundaries. You can create up to five different goal accounts, each earning 4% base interest, with your rate increasing every ₱20,000 you add (up to 8% p.a. for deposits up to ₱100,000). Think: one for emergencies, one for travel, one for home upgrades, one for big purchases, one for long-term plans. No lock-ins. No stress. Just organized money that grows faster.

And if you're the type who wants your bonus to grow steadily and predictably, this is where Time Deposit Plus comes in. You can lock in your money for 3, 6, or 12 months with guaranteed rates of up to 6% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱1 million per Time Deposit Plus account. And because you can open up to five accounts, that’s as much as ₱5 million in total interest-earning deposits.

The best part? Unlike traditional time deposits, you can keep adding funds anytime, even after hitting your target amount. It’s perfect if you want the discipline and stability of a time deposit, but with way more flexibility.

This is how you protect your bonus from slipping through the cracks and make your future self genuinely proud.

3. Build a buffer for life’s curveballs.

Rainy days don’t schedule appointments and nothing derails your finances like an unexpected bill or repair. Your bonus is the perfect chance to finally build that cushion.

Boost your emergency fund using Maya Savings or set up a dedicated Personal Goal just for emergencies. And if life throws something bigger than expected? Maya Easy Credit gives you instant access to funds with no paperwork, no collateral, so you don’t have to touch your hard-earned savings when things get tough.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.

Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, is changing that. As one of the first banks in the country to enable Google Pay for credit cards, Maya is putting next-generation payments directly in your hands. Yup, Android users can now tap and go by simply adding their Maya Credit Card to Google Wallet. Even better? Tap to Pay via the Maya app is coming soon, making paying faster and easier than ever.

Life moves fast—commuting, grabbing coffee, running errands between meetings. And through all of that, your phone is always in your hand. So, it only makes sense for paying to keep up.

It’s no wonder most prefer tapping with their credit cards. It’s quick, convenient, and comes with rewards. But there’s an even faster way to pay: Tapping with your phone. With Maya on Google Pay, your phone becomes your wallet. No digging through your bag, no fumbling for a card—just one motion and you’re done. Plus, you still get the rewards you love:

• Instant Maya Miles with your Maya Black Credit Card, and

• Cashback with your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card.

Paying with your Maya Credit Card on Google Pay is instant and incredibly smooth:

• Add your Maya Credit Card to the Google Wallet app

• Unlock your phone, open Google Wallet, and tap at any NFC-enabled terminal

• Pay anywhere Visa or Mastercard contactless is accepted globally

No extra steps. No friction. Just fast, secure, tap-and-go payments — whether you’re buying coffee, catching a ride, or checking out at your favorite stores.

To celebrate this new way to pay, Maya and Visa are giving your PickUp Coffee run an upgrade. Tap to Pay with your Maya Credit Card via Google Pay and you get ₱50 off on your drink—yes, just for tapping. Your caffeine fix, now with tap-exclusive perks.

With this feature now available, you can finally ditch the unnecessary steps and go straight to the part that matters—tapping, earning, and getting on with your day. Paying shouldn’t slow your down, and now it won’t.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.

November 20, 2025

GMA Integrated News pillar and award-winning broadcaster Vicky Morales was honored as the “Presenter of the Year” at the globally recognized Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) Awards 2025). This esteemed international accolade, announced last November 14 in London, serves as a powerful recognition of Morales’ exceptional broadcasting skills and dedication to journalistic excellence.

Morales, who was previously shortlisted for the same Presenter of the Year award in 2023, secured the victory over other highly respected news presenters, including finalists from the BBC and Taiwan Plus. The judges described her as “a seasoned professional, full of authority and charisma.”

Her submission package highlighted her rigorous commitment to coverage, including her anchoring duties during the 2025 elections, her hosting of the news documentary Biyaheng Totoo: Sana sa Eleksyon 2025, and her coverage of significant world events like the death of Pope Francis and the election of the new Pope.

As one of the primary anchors for GMA Network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras, Morales presents critical breaking news and relevant updates to audiences every night. She co-anchors the multi-awarded program with Mel Tiangco and Emil Sumangil, which airs weeknights at 6:30 p.m. on the Kapuso Network and is also made available via livestreaming on the official GMA News accounts on YouTube and Facebook.

The award holds special meaning for Morales, who is celebrating her 35th year in the news industry.

“From the bottom of my heart, a huge thank you to our generous colleagues at the AIB for such a great honor. This is definitely a career highlight for me. All around the world, we cover stories that make us angry, sad, triumphant, and glad. But our job as journalists is to harness all these emotions and turn them into positive action,” she shared in her recorded acceptance speech.

She extended a message to the next generation of journalists, advising them to “do everything possible to turn in good work; be persistent but be a team player as it takes a village to mount a newscast; be a little loony to survive the craziness and be grateful every day for this awesome profession that allows us to make meaningful changes.”

Morales’ win not only underscores her status as one of the most prominent and credible news figures in the country but also affirms GMA Integrated News’ commitment as the “News Authority ng Filipino” guided by the principle: “Mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan.”

For more information on GMA Network’s recognition and awards, visit www.gmanetwork.com. 

Pioneer Transwomen Coalition Condemns Media Misgendering

and Sensationalism in Transfemicide Cases

MANILA, Philippines — The nation’s leading pioneer trans rights organization, the Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP), alongside political organization Ladlad Partylist 2 and advocacy group Verde Creatives, announced a crucial roundtable discussion on November 17, 2 PM at Dark Roast Coffeehouse located in 107 Maginhawa Street, Teacher's Village, Quezon City, addressing the devastating role of media misgendering and sensationalism in reporting cases of transfemicide.

Titled "MEDIA, MISGENDERING, AND MEMORY: HOW STORIES OF TRANSFEMICIDE ARE TOLD," the event, strategically timed during Transgender Awareness Week (November 13–19), just prior to the global Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), calls for an immediate halt to journalistic practices that reinforce judicial impunity. The coalition asserts these practices are enabled by the Philippine government's decades-long failure to pass comprehensive legislative protections.

The roundtable is necessitated by a severe crisis of anti-trans violence, with advocates noting that at least 50 transgender or gender nonbinary individuals have been murdered across the archipelago since 2010, a number believed to be significantly higher. STRAP highlights that the media's consistent use of former names and incorrect pronouns — known as deadnaming and misgendering — in reporting these murders constitutes a final, systemic act of violence and historical erasure.

"Every time a transpinay is murdered, the refusal of certain media outlets to use her affirmed name and gender acts as a second, systemic execution," stated a representative from STRAP. "It is the final act of erasure, enabled by the lack of Legal Gender Recognition (LGR) in this country. Our roundtable is a demand to end this dehumanizing practice, ensuring that when we honor our sisters on TDOR, we recognize their truth and hold the systems that failed them accountable."

The systemic failure is traced directly to the legislative inertia in Congress. The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill has been pending for over 20 years without passage. This decades-long delay conveys a message of institutional indifference that allows discrimination and violence to flourish.

The lack of LGR legislation is specifically identified as the root cause that allows official state misgendering in police and court documents, which the media then adopts, thereby institutionalizing the erasure of the victim's identity.

Ms. Bemz Benedito, Chair of Verde Creatives and a trailblazing transgender leader and former congressional nominee for Ladlad Partylist, emphasized the political cost of inaction. “We should not be defined by our bodies nor should our sexual orientation and gender identity define our capabilities, skills and strengths. Yet, when media sensationalizes our deaths, they strip us of that dignity. The violence we face is a direct consequence of a state that refuses to pass the SOGIESC Bill. The death toll demands immediate implementation of protective laws and a complete overhaul of how trans lives and deaths are treated in the public sphere.”

By convening during this critical week, the coalition aims to reconnect the fight for modern trans rights with the nation's indigenous history, citing the pre-colonial reverence for gender diverse spiritual leaders like asogs and babaylans, whose acceptance was suppressed by colonial forces. The fight for ethical reporting is thus framed as a fight for cultural recognition and decolonial justice.

The Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP), Ladlad Partylist, and Verde Creatives issue the following non-negotiable demands to the Philippine Government and the Media Industry:

1. Immediate passage of the SOGIESC Equality Bill to criminalize discrimination based on SOGIE.

2. Enactment of Legal Gender Recognition (LGR) legislation for trans and intersex people.

3. Inclusion of trans women in Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) laws and initiatives to ensure access to gender-based violence protections.

1. Mandatory adoption of ethical reporting guidelines that require the use of the victim’s affirmed name and pronouns, prohibiting deadnaming 

2. Cessation of sensationalism that focuses on graphic or irrelevant details of the victim’s personal life, instead directing coverage toward systemic failures and accountability.

Transgender rights are fundamental human rights. This truth is absolute. When we commemorate those among us whose lives were stolen by bigotry, our purpose transcends grief — it becomes invincible action. Through the ages. like all victims of systemic oppression elsewhere, we forge our collective rage into strategic decisions, into unstoppable mobilization.

To our allies: Our demands are yours; join us in this struggle and you always do, and fight shoulder-to-shoulder with us.

To those in power: Your choice is simple: acknowledge our truth, implement justice, listen and act now, or we will dismantle every obstacle you build each time you create them.

We are not asking for a future where every transgender person can live freely and authentically. We are taking it. We will secure that victory. And we shall prevail.

November 14, 2025

BOTTOM (L-R): Dr. Jerome Barrera – PCEDM Secretary, Dr. Elaine Cunanan – PCEDM Vice President, Dr. Lora May Tan-Tin Hay – PCEDM President, Aileen Natividad – TGP Deputy General Manager, Joanne Arceo – RRHI Drugstore Segment, Group General Manager, Abet Chao – TGP AVP Merchandising